The Barden Party returns
The Barden Party returns
Embedded Files
Fresh from dazzling audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival the Barden Party returns with a brand new original musical! Written by Ollie Howlett & Laura Irish, reimagining the Greek myth of Heracles: his struggle with his darker self and his fraught relationship with Hera, Queen of the Gods. Blending Greek myth with the glamour and shadows of 1940s Hollywood, the show explores power, celebrity, ambition, perception, adversity and self-worth. Who are we when no one is watching? Hero? Villian? Man? Beast? God?
COCKTALES
COCKTALES
The perfect Friday fun night out, a delicious cocktail prepared by a literary great with some nibbles and an interactive quiz with great prizes, then let William Shakespeare entertain you with uplifting stories and songs ....... also Edgar Allen Poe will be there.
The Barden Party present a unique theatrical experience. An evening William Shakespeare and Edgar Allen Poe, full of grand ideas, humour, song and whimsy. Shakespeare is here to make sure of that.
The only problem is that Poe, complete with his famed Gothic texts, has never been to such a party before is a bit of a downer and seems deadset on making Bill's life as difficult as possible.
Over the course of an hour, immerse yourselves in the worlds of two of the English-language's biggest larrikins as they try to impress you with their particular command of language, music, cocktail-making skills and insight into the human condition.
SOMETHING FUN THIS WAY COMES ...
SOMETHING FUN THIS WAY COMES ...
Imagine spending the afternoon wandering through the historic Pioneer Village and finding the Court of the Fairy Queen in the Courthouse, or the Madrigal Companie filling the beautiful Mangatoki Church with incredible songs or watch Medieval Knights battle for control of the Village Green. Add in some delicious food, train rides, the Bouncy Globe Theatre, perhaps relax with a feast in the barn, with some live music and from 6.30pm you can enjoy Manawatu Summer Shakespeare performing their incredible production Macbeth on the new stage. The ultimate day out for all family and entry is FREE! But if you can bring a donation for the Food Bank that will be greatly appreciated.
MACBETH
MACBETH
Manawatū Summer Shakespeare’s 2026 Macbeth fuses elements of Scottish Punk Rock and contemporary folk, where refined military order clashes with gauche glamour. It’s the Hunger Games, in Trump’s white house, it’s the depths of the unruly and untameable Scottish wilderness, its contemporary counter culture meets stylised Scottish traditionalism. A tense and atmospheric thriller of ambition, corruption, suspicion and devastation. Expect leather and lace, glamour and grace in an explosive, elemental and ruthless retelling of a timeless tale. The era for this production is hundreds of years ago, its also yesterday, and today. And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow.
KING LEAR
KING LEAR
Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe proudly celebrates its 30th year of Shakespeare with a strikingly contemporary production of King Lear. In this two-hour adaptation the tragedy is sharpened to its core: the fraught family dynamics of Lear and Gloucester, two parents whose misguided choices unleash betrayal and heartbreak. Lear’s reckless division of his kingdom and Gloucester’s misplaced trust in her children reveal how pride and blindness can devastate generations. This production offers a fresh perspective on parental folly, loyalty, and love, making Shakespeare’s timeless themes resonate anew.
THE BOOK OF WILL
THE BOOK OF WILL
For the first time Stratford Shakespeare Trust will bring our own production to the festival stage. Top local theatre talent from Taranaki bring to the stage The Book of Will, telling the story of how Shakespeare’s plays were salvaged from oblivion by his friends after his death. History turning on small decisions. Funny, poignant and insightful. Don’t miss this contemporary gem!
Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have literary masterpieces like Romeo and Juliet. But without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever! After the death of their friend and mentor, the two actors are determined to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives. They’ll just have to borrow, beg, and band together to get it done. Amidst the noise and color of Elizabethan London, The Book of Will finds an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter, and sheds new light on a man you may think you know.
Reviews for The Book of Will
“The Book of Will…unequivocally announces Gunderson as a playwright with whom to be reckoned. It is, quite frankly, one of the best plays I have ever seen. It will bring tears of both laughter and sorrow to all but the most jaded audience member’s eyes. It is, in a word, a triumph.”
Boulder Weekly
SHAKESPEARE
IN SCHOOLS
Heracles (School Session)
Heracles (School Session)
10am Friday at The King's Theatre schools get the chance to bring students to see top class theatre and the price of admission is just a Food Bank Donation.
Contact stratfordshakespeare@gmail.com to register.
The Book of Will
The Book of Will
Wednesday the 25th: 11am at The King's Theatre schools will be able bring their students to see the final dress rehearsal for The Book of Will for just the price of a Food Bank Donation.
Contact stratfordshakespeare@gmail.com to register.
Manawatu Summer Shakespeare Teacher Workshop
Friday 20th March, 1pm
(The Castle)
Manawatu Summer Shakespeare Company, who have been dazzling audiences with productions for years, bringing the Bard's play to a diverse audience in Palmerston North. We have leaders of this company to work with teachers helping them to engage their students and bring life to the text. Great opportunity for teachers to enrich their practice.
Free for teachers.
Contact stratfordshakespeare@gmail.com to register.
Taranaki Region, 31st March
King's Theatre from 5.30
Door sales $5
The best talent from Taranaki Secondary Schools converge on The King's Theatre for regional qualifier for the annual nationwide SGCNZ Shakespeare Competition that always delivers an outstanding spectacle.
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